Mushrooms
Did you know that mushrooms are the onlyproduce in the world that naturally contains Vitamin D? Yep. There is a natural source of Vitamin D besides the sun! Given that mushroom are forest-floor, shade-loving fungi, it seems strange, but to me it’s affirming that there’s something magical about mushrooms. A single, large portobello mushroom contains 120% of your recommended daily allowance of Vitamin D. Their antioxidant punch, Vitamin B, potassium, and beta glucan (read: dietary fiber) content amps mushrooms’ value as a daily superfood.
When to eat: Daily
Mushrooms are a polarizing food – people love or hate them. I’m firmly in the LOVE camp. Regardless of your mushroom vote it’s actually fairly difficult to eat mushrooms every day. They aren’t quite as versatile as, say, an avocado, nor do they have as long of a shelf life. That’s where powdered mushrooms come in.
Tucking mushrooms into your sauces, smoothies, or morning cup of coffee is the easiest way to pack in the highly nutritional – and borderline superpowers – that mushrooms boast. It doesn’t take much. A teaspoon of powdered mushrooms each day is an easy, attainable, and potent health goal.
Classification: Organic
I prefer to buy raw, fresh mushrooms organic because I love feeling comfortable not washing them as thoroughly. Without going into a scientific diatribe, the ‘dirt’ on organic veggies is super, SUPER good for your gut’s microbiome and for your immunity. I rinse, but don’t wash, organic mushrooms.
I eat fresh mushrooms once or twice a week, and in-between, I take powdered mushrooms every day. Since powdered mushrooms are concentrated, I am especially avid to make sure my powdered mushrooms are organic, grown on highly nutritious sources, and in the United States. Om mushrooms are lights-out and are frankly the only ones on the market I fully trust because they are grown in California against superior standards and are certified organic. Om makes fantastic blends – though I go back to their Immunity blend over and over.
Where to store: Fridge or pantry
Fresh mushrooms. Fridge.
Powdered. Pantry.
Wholeness factor: Best
Mushrooms are a prolific, naturally occurring fungi and each species boasts apoptogenic capabilities that are expansive but also specific – if you are looking to boost certain functions or optimize others you’ll want to consider which mushroom(s) are best for your goals.
The key with mushrooms is that they adapt, hence, they’re adaptogenic. Mushrooms will literally find the things going haywire in your body and focus their superpowers on them. They will eradicate the bad, boost the good, and help keep your body humming from the inside-out. Some mushrooms adapt to certain functions better than others, but if you don’t currently incorporate mushrooms into your diet, aim for a serving of fresh mushrooms each week, or simply incorporate a teaspoon of Om mushrooms into your coffee or smoothie routine to jumpstart a path to functional wellness.
How I eat them
Raw baby portobellos dipped in hummus, big portobello caps grilled and eaten as or on a burger, shiitake or oyster mushrooms sautéed and served over steak or vegan ramen bowls…they’re versatile. So much umami-ness and depth of flavor. No seasoning required.
For powdered mushrooms – a heaping teaspoon goes into my coffee or smoothie each day. I use Om’s Immunity blend most of the time but their Beauty and Master blends are recurring faves too.
